External floppy connector to be axed ?

[rubber_jonnie]

I don't know, and my intention would be to put a board into an existing machine to bring it back to life, not necessarily putting it in a new case, which I'm guessing are still a way off?

The Hx series will still use the din 14 like now, and so will the legacy board, but that board will be a replacement for original cases and won't have any expansion sockets on it. The "H series" board will likely end with the H5, but no definite plans yet. As @Icky is slowly creeping towards new cases, we will pushing future motherboards to fit new cases. So if people want all the latest stuff they have to get a updated MB and case, if they want a legacy machine, then will get that board instead. There can be small adapters (and likely will be) but it won't fit in a original case anymore, not without some cutting.

Fair enough, if there are going to be multiple boards available so people can use their own cases, then it makes sense to me.

[Maximilian]

Why not use the space of the connector in the case to mount two or 3 USB connectors and two or 3 buttons, that way you could connect an internal drive, a Gotek with a memory stick on the back(Is that possible without an extra internal floppy connector?) and maybe an internal usb adapter for a modern mouse while keeping the case intact.

Just an idea, would have liked that on my Amiga… maybe i'll build an adapter myself :-)

[exxos]

Why not use the space of the connector in the case to mount two or 3 USB connectors and two or 3 buttons, that way you could connect an internal drive, a Gotek with a memory stick on the back(Is that possible without an extra internal floppy connector?) and maybe an internal usb adapter for a modern mouse while keeping the case intact.

Just an idea, would have liked that on my Amiga… maybe i'll build an adapter myself :-)

If you can design and make a reliable USB adapter and get TOS to work with it, then we can add it most likely. But also bare in mind most USB drives don't seem to work with extended format floppies on a PC, so that needs to be looked into as well to see if its the drive itself or some other issue.

[Maximilian]

I'm talking about:
1. Bringing the Gotek USB connector and the Gotek buttons to the back of the case.
2. Having 1 or two extra USB connectors for things like a mouse that you can wire up internally with an adapter of your liking.

With the above we do not need any extra adapters as everything is already available.
Are there users that use other external items like a 5,25 Inch drive on the external connector?

[exxos]

We have talked about USB connectors and adding in netusbee.. but we don't have time for that projet right now. I was thinking of adding USB ports for power, but people always jump to conclusions and I don't want to be flooded with idiots complaining that the USB ports don't work with their mouse and keyboard etc. So USB ports won't be added unless there is a good reason to.

As for gotec stuff, its up to people where they mount stuff in the case currently. I don't think there's any need to relocate stuff away from the floppy drive slot. It just needs a proper hole in the case for it.

[JezC]

I've got a couple of external 3.5" (& one external 5.25") drives for my ST collection. I currently have a Gotek in one of the 3.5" drives (mostly to use with the STs with working internal floppies)

I'd like the ability to still use these as/when necessary but am happy to do this with an adaptor if that is the best way forward.

So, I'd vote for keeping the ability to use a second drive but am not too fussed about what connections are used to achieve this beyond that.

[terriblefire]

We have talked about USB connectors and adding in netusbee.. but we don't have time for that projet right now. I was thinking of adding USB ports for power, but people always jump to conclusions and I don't want to be flooded with idiots complaining that the USB ports don't work with their mouse and keyboard etc. So USB ports won't be added unless there is a good reason to.

There is a project on the forum right now to develop a USB HID library for STM32 chips. I believe @arkadiusz.makarenko has a large number of devices working (including joypads, mice and keyboards) and has an atari st version in progress too. It was started for the CD32 but the library and ST version could be pinched and put into a future Hx board. Its dual USB too.

[JezC]

@terriblefire Yes - I've been following that with interest...shame the Nucleo board he is using is out of stock at the moment...

Would be a lovely option for/addition to a future H series board (especially if we can get MSD support in there as well or SD card or something)

[terriblefire]

@terriblefire Yes - I've been following that with interest...shame the Nucleo board he is using is out of stock at the moment...

Think its available on amazon right now. STM32 7 Series?

Would be a lovely option for/addition to a future H series board (especially if we can get MSD support in there as well or SD card or something)

Honestly think SD card etc should be done separately. Trying to bite off too much can lead to nothing ever happening.

[JezC]

Honestly think SD card etc should be done separately. Trying to bite off too much can lead to nothing ever happening.

Absolutely - thinking more for items on a future development roadmap. Initial support for HID class would be good, then a future stage for MSD support & SD card way down the line.

I think it's currently an F722 Nucleo board that is being used (I don't have an F7 board, lots of F4 & one H7 - but that looks to be on a different Cube MX release)

I'll check the availability on Amazon - I'd looked at Farnell, Anglia etc. but didn't think of Amazon :headbang: